While winter is just beginning, spring will be here soon, and we will be eager to fill our gardens and patios with colorful blooms. Perennials have the advantage of being low maintenance and coming back each year to become a long-term addition to your landscape. If that is not enough, some of them show off their blooms in spring, making them a fine addition to your collection of spring-blooming plants. Here are a few spring-blooming perennials to consider for your garden. Alexander’s Great Brunnera This underused perennial has much to offer in the garden with its attractive silver foliage from […]
Category: Spring Gardening
Easy Tips For Vegetable Harvest & Storage
If you are like me, your garden is full of produce ready to be picked, and you may find yourself overwhelmed with everything that is ripening at once. Fortunately, most vegetables can be stored or preserved until you are ready to eat them. Preserving The Vegetable Harvest If you are hoping to keep vegetables longer, consider preserving them by freezing, drying, canning, or pickling. The steps to preserving them are more complex than simply storing them, but you can have a stable supply of vegetables all winter! You can freeze nearly any vegetable to keep them good for eating. Blanching […]
How To Prevent & Control Weeds
Each year is different in the garden, but you can always count on weeds showing up. The definition of a weed is simply this: A plant that is out of place. This means you can have good plants that become weeds or are always considered weeds. An example is wild violets, which are desirable natives for some gardeners, but a weed for others. Today we’ll be looking at plants considered weeds by most gardeners, along with information on managing them. We’ll always encounter weeds, but we can minimize their presence in the garden by taking steps to make the landscape […]
The Beauty of Orchids
The orchid year has already begun and throughout Wisconsin, a variety of late spring and early summer native orchids are now in bloom. Wisconsin boasts up to 40 species of native wild orchids, along with one exotic, invasive orchid species. These can be found in many areas of the state. The orchids of late spring and early summer are a beautiful and elegant bunch. To find most of them, you must be willing to explore deep into some of our thickest tamarack and spruce bogs, filled with ticks and mosquitoes. And, of course, you’ll likely get pretty wet. If you’re […]
Create Sizzling Summer Container Displays
Summer is quickly approaching, so it’s time to decorate your outdoor spaces with plants. Containers are a fantastic way to display plants on your patio, balcony, or any outdoor space, giving you a close view of gorgeous flowers and unique foliage. Before you head to the nursery and stock up on plants, it’s essential to have a plan for your pots. Container Goals Before summer begins, take a few moments to set goals for your container displays. Here are some questions to ask yourself: Design Elements When it comes to containers, plants are typically grouped into one of three categories, […]
Carrot Gardening Guide
Carrots, with their vibrant orange hue and crisp, earthy flavor, have long been a beloved staple in kitchens and gardens around the world. These versatile root vegetables not only add a burst of color and crunch to salads, stews, and stir-fries but also boast an array of health benefits. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a novice enthusiast, cultivating your own carrots can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. From selecting the right varieties to nurturing them through each stage of growth, the journey of growing carrots allows you to connect with the earth, witness nature’s wonders, and ultimately enjoy […]
Perennial Planting: How To Overcome Difficult Planting Sites
As gardeners, many of us have that one spot in the yard where no plant will grow except the weeds. It may be a dry site under a tree or a sandy area in full sun. While frustrating, this dilemma allows us to explore plant options we may not have considered. Perennials may appear delicate, but they can be problem solvers in challenging areas of the landscape. Let’s examine some difficult sites and the perennials that will thrive in them. 3 Types Of Challenging Plants Sites Dry Shade The term “dry shade” refers to an area primarily shaded with soil […]
An Easy Guide For Planting Trees & Shrubs
Trees and shrubs can bring structure and beauty throughout the year if you’re starting a new landscape or adding to your existing property. These plants also provide ecological benefits for your landscape and the planet. Before planting, it’s crucial to understand planting techniques to ensure long-term success for your landscape. Why Proper Planting Is Essential Before we examine the specifics, let’s focus on why proper planting is essential for trees and shrubs. A common problem in landscapes is trees that are planted too deep. As a result, these trees often deteriorate from excess moisture around the stem or develop circling […]
Blueberry Gardening Guide
Blueberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be grown easily in many regions. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, growing your own blueberries can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Not only do they provide a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy berries, but they also offer a host of health benefits, including antioxidants and vitamins. In this guide, we will cover the planting and maintenance to grow blueberries. Blueberry Quick Tips Blueberry Planting Guide When To Plant Blueberry Bushes Dormant, bareroot blueberries may be planted as soon as the ground can be worked in […]
7 Growing Tips For Begonias
Begonias are renowned for their vibrant, colorful blooms and distinctive foliage. With over 1,800 species, begonias come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, but can also be grown indoors as houseplants. Begonias are valued not only for their stunning appearance but also for their ease of care, making them an ideal plant for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your garden or add some color to your indoor space, begonias […]